A front line war against women

Violence against women is a complex issue. Several explanations have been offered to understand the phenomenon. Research reports from countries all over the world show that violence against women still occurs, though the form may vary from one society and culture to another. It is a major public health and social problem requiring considerable attention, as it entails severe physical, psychological, social and emotional consequences.

The term violence against women has been defined as a range of sexually, psychologically, and physically coercive acts used against women by current or former male intimate partners. It is the most pervasive yet least recognized human rights abuse in the world. Some of the other terms that are used interchangeably to describe the issue include intimate partner violence, courtship violence, domestic violence, domestic abuse, spousal abuse and battering.

It is an acknowledged fact that many women in Pakistan are subjected to domestic violence. In our patriarchal society, men are encouraged to show their dominance over women and are expected not to tolerate any kind of disobedience from them. It is also the case that many men need to exert such authority and control over their wives in order to prove that they are ‘man enough’.

However, in recent years, the government has taken steps to eradicate domestic violence. A helpline number was introduced some time back by the government which women subjected to domestic violence could use to contact government officials and seek help and protection against their oppressors. As more women started to become educated, they became more aware of their rights and began standing up against violence and oppression. If we go by this term, domestic violence has decreased in the recent past.

In our patriarchal society, men are encouraged to show their dominance over women and are expected not to tolerate any kind of disobedience from them

Honour killings, another brutal form of domestic violence, are done in the name of honour as the name suggests. These are generally practiced in rural areas where if a girl is found to have any sort of relation with a man who is not her husband, she is killed in order to protect the honour and dignity of the family. Many times, this barbaric action is taken without authentic evidence. Such girls are considered a blot on the family name for being involved in extra-marital affairs.

In a report by the Human Rights Watch, it was revealed that activists estimate that about 1,000 honour killings happen in Pakistan every year. According to the Aurat Foundation, in 138 cases this year 51 women and 25 men were killed, adding that 30 women and 19 men were killed in the name of ‘honour’. As much as 14 women committed suicide over domestic disputes while 21 women and eight men had been tortured to death in Balochsitan.

This law was implemented in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan while it was recently approved in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Now, it is time to implement the bill at the federal level so that women’s protection in the country can be ensured.

It is important to know that merely formulating laws would not serve the purpose of protecting women from violence. Strict implementation of such laws is needed.

The facts and figures about domestic violence against women in Pakistan indicate the real picture that domestic violence is increasing day by day. Many factors cause violence against women in Pakistani society; including the male dominated nature of the society, women’s socio-economic condition, cultural and family systems and women’s lack of awareness about their rights as well as lack of legal protection.

The writer is a freelance writer and is associated with the development sector